第一次长长的暑假~~~~~又开学了！！！YEAR 2 HERE I COME!!! (终于把lag了很久原本应该wk1的draft完成并publish出来...长文慎入？)

过完了一个学年
人生中第一个名称上兼意义上的暑假终于来了
三个月耶！！！
(感觉就是让"辛劳"了两个学期的我们休息一阵子)
常看到的那些放假旅游充电的图文总是让人向往
但是
现实总是残酷的

这个时候的我

口袋空空

根本轮不到我逍遥快活

所以呢？

和许许多多在外留学的童鞋们一样

回乡过完3星期的小休就被母亲大人赶出家门回到新加坡来赚零用了

(唉谁让我要贪方便住宿舍呢，NUS宿舍可不便宜呢！)

刚回来的时候是满腔的不情愿
根本就觉得要打工很可怜
(而且一开始理想中registrar's office的admin那份工作又没有得到，原本没有收到email就想好找别的工作，做后一分钟又收到通知拿到graduate marshall, 把原先找其它工作的计划打乱了)
在等待毕业典礼那个星期到来前还是要有别的收入才行(因为毕业典礼就只有那几天)
就随便在商场找家服装店walk-in interview找个part time助理的工吧！
工资有点低，但是考虑到当时是无业游民，而且这种也是要求比较低不太吃脑力的工就先接着吧！

但是~~~
对于我这种不习惯站的娇生惯养的孩子
第一天站就8个小时，真的很大挑战
而且我那双新买的鞋子因为皮有些硬
就这样的把我的脚踝磨了一个深深的伤口(一个星期多才愈合)
回到家的时候背部感觉上就要散架了
第二天第三天一路站下来
脚和腰渐渐开始适应，也就不太觉得辛苦了

由于这份part time的薪水真的不太高
通过伟鸣的介绍得到了另一份餐宴服务生的casual part time job
蛮随性的
有sign up time slot就有工作
不想或不得空的时候又可以放一边
第一天挑战一桌10人，8道菜
这次终于体验到当服务员的辛劳
要在餐桌和厨房之间来回跑
而且收拾碗盘时(还有那个超级大蒸鱼的长形盘)的那个重量
哇！不可言喻！
但是话说回来自己也蛮喜欢服务业的
可以接触人
人家满意你的服务时说的“谢谢”和微笑真的让人很有成就感
但自己体力不太好
所以也不能长期做这个

工作了才一星期左右
新加坡的中小学放暑假了
结果？
我失业了~
因为服装店原有的那些兼职工都放假回到岗位去工作
所以就轮不到我啦
结果就应用这段时间休息、吸收一些课外知识(韩语、forensic science)
还有筹备新一季度NUSSO演出的乐谱啦
同时还要帮忙筹备TRIO音乐营
没有工作还是照样很忙

过了camp
终于等到毕业典礼的季节
终于可以开工了哈哈哈
第一次参与毕业典礼的工
感觉真的很新鲜
而且工作也蛮轻松的
(就是站着一旁指示毕业生排队上台领毕业卷轴)
同组的有
脾气超好非常好欺负的队长jonathan
认识了一年的苹果姐妹、校长的超级粉丝芷郡
华语lvl4的娜柔afiqah
还有可爱(找不到其它显著特征形容的)潇莹
除了工资优渥还有美味餐点
(跟着吃VIP的自助餐哈哈哈)
工作时看着毕业生们满足的笑容
紧张得可爱的犯糊涂
顺便看不同院系的帅哥美女和成绩好得吓人的高才生
我们team A graduate marshal每天都嘻嘻哈哈的
那几天真的工作的超开心

过完毕业典礼的那个星期就是AMCISA的FOC
因为觉得精力不太够而且也没时间全程参与所以没申请当FOCCOM
就充其量去当个senior算了呵呵~
junior人数减半的确有点吃惊
但是人少也有人少的好
就大家都会认识，比较容易凝聚吧？
虽然有些环节错过了(两天睡不醒、一天要工作)
但是还好initiation和sentosa都有参与
也还认识一些junior
要不然过后开学进入潜水状态可能大家都不认识自己了呵呵

7月尾
想回家的念头油然而生
就只是很impromptu的想在开学前回家一下下
回去赖一下家里
睡一下自己的床褥
黏一下爸妈
抱一下家里的狗狗猫咪
impromptu的上网购票第二天就出发
(而且没有看有没有回程的)
回到才警觉那个周末是开斋节
险些无法回新(幸好买到加班次的那趟)

Ginny说要在开学前下来新加坡找我玩
好姐妹那么多年二话不说就答应了
但是结果因为她来的日子和时间有点尴尬
很多时间都没有实际去玩(又没去原本说好的sentosa)
但还好重点的NUS Rag Day、乌节路、植物园、滨海公园、金沙酒店、观音庙都去了
更好笑的是她出发要回吉隆坡我们竟然迟了出门
赶在最后一刻才到达机场check in
那时候真的怕赶不上飞机亏了回程票哟哈哈
(以后都不敢last minute出门了)

她回了
也代表着我的假期结束
要好好的奋斗了呀!!!

One Year Gone!!! 我的大一杂记~

凡是有东西结束了都会想要写一篇来回忆一下~

考完试很空闲所以就写写blog吧~

转眼间，一个学期，两个学期，一个学年就这样过了!
而我，也踏进了人生的第三个十年的阶段
(感叹青春似流水啊~)
以前都听人说
大学就是“由你玩四年”，大一就是honeymoon year
原来，一切都是骗人的!!!
都怪自己太天真了~~~LOL
但是无可否认
大一的的确确是最后一个求学生涯里最疯狂最放肆最毫无顾虑的一年
至少我参加的各类活动还有我不紧张的态度印证了这一点

(但后果就是成绩上不去，但还可以用适应环境这个理由推托一下哈哈)

Sem1就(有点)颓废的结束了
除了认识了一大票AMCISA和NUSSO的朋友
参演了两个concert
(多了练习时间和演出经验)
学术上拿了一个A
基本上就无惊无险的过了
但是细细回味一下
也不完全没有收获
起码觉得自己经过一个学期在异乡生活的洗礼
长大了(也胖了)(至少周围的长辈们都这样说呵呵)
也比以前更清楚知道要如何规划自己的时间、生活、人际关系等等

AMCISA FOC13/14武当苹果派

AMCISA FOC: 首个来新时的联谊活动，身为新生的我们肯定会是受到senior们的“热情款待”啦呵呵~但是我们也甘之如饴~毕竟建立起来的友情是无价的哈哈！但是由于住在校外，后来没有办法时常跟其他人碰面，被大家说“潜水”了，也和他们没有那么熟络了，不行，下学年一定要好好弥补！

NUSSO 13/14 Welcome Tea

NUSSO: 我的首选CCA, matric fair的时候就立刻去找这个booth, 从audition到被录取再参与各种演出活动，真的学了很多东西，也得了很多莫逆之交~大家都因为对音乐的热诚聚在一起，真的是一个满满爱的团体！

NUSSO Trip to UTHM Violin 1s
就在这时候瞬间和其他组员熟络起来

UTHM Trip: UTHM大学20周年纪念的concert, 是我正式参与的第一个演出。说起来这个trip也蛮爽一下的，包吃包住包玩(好吧玩的成分没有多少，而且前两天也就好像被困在场地rehearsal一整天，但也不算什么)，尤其最后一晚大家聚在组长的房间玩游戏直到凌晨3点真的让彼此的友谊更进一步。

搞怪的V1一家

四大美人？LOL...=)
左起：竹原、我、秉宏、双阳

My name tag!!! <3

NUSSO's Performance @ Esplanade

Beautiful Sunday @ Esplanade: 真的有一种很荣幸很兴奋的感觉！本小姐竟然也有机会在Esplanade的舞台上表演！曲目都以舞蹈为主题，加上没有售票的压力，大家都乐在其中~

享受完这些音乐盛宴，就是应付考试了。皇天不负有心人(?)，我还是拼了biodiversity的一个A回来(哎呀毕竟是我最喜欢的科目)哈哈！除了课程有趣之外，它的practical session应该就是最让同学们结交朋友、与组员增进感情的一门课(毕竟那么多lab/practical/field trip都腻在同一组)。还有去海边捕捞活体生物样本(changi beach蛮多垃圾哈哈)、游动物园(可惜下雨)。

LSM1103 Prac Group Buddies

其它的嘛~physiology因为复习不足还有science of music考试不够细心作曲作文不够用心结果就两个B，经济就被坑了结果就S掉，最抱歉的还是化学(但幸好还是及格了)。

回家充电3个星期，就Sem2了！！！说真的这个学期真的是多姿多彩呢~

Program Booklets from concerts and recitals

除了参与两场演出，也去听了不少音乐会(好吧不超过10场还是算少的，但是比起以前是比较多了) 两场付费、四场免费，让我精神上饱餐了一顿。

Perfect Group Photo!!!

In Action!!!

NUSSO Miniatures 2014 Full Family Photo

Miniatures 2014: NUSSO今年度第一场演出，是每年ExxonMobil Campus Concert免费系列的其中一场节目之一。最高兴的是与秉宏和myungsik组成三人小组，演奏我们和大众都喜欢的joe hisaishi作品。从一开始的找不到队友、修改arrangement和练习、录音录影、顺利演出，我都很享受这些过程。最重要的还是交到秉宏和myungsik这两个死党(附带myungji)哈哈！说真的我觉得我们效率超高，从第一次练习(包括修改arrangement)到录制audition的录影，我们只花了3天！(但我在那三天真的有一点快要疯的感觉，毕竟自己的经验还不怎么够，简单的编排竟然困扰了我近36小时@_@)

不过话说回来，miniatures过后发生了一个小插曲，老实说我也没想过会遇到这么倒霉的事。concert完后，由于太兴奋了，上洗手间的时候竟然把我的宝贝电话摔在地上了!!! 啊啊啊!!! 屏幕是朝下的，下意识的有一种不祥的预感，果然! 屏幕裂了!!! 我顿时晴天霹雳(当时候惊心胆跳的心情仍然深深烙在脑海里>.<''') 由于要等到回家时才把电话拿去修，所以开始过起了“无机人士”的日子。

还好，本小姐交游广阔，四处求救打听何人有spare old phone后出现了救星!!! Siyan是也!!! Hmm...这是一个经借手机而结下的缘分哈哈哈!!! 我们由不是很熟的CCA mate演变成每个odd week都一起吃午饭、互相为对方庆祝生日、我心情不好会找这个super patient and long-winded counselor(almost pro level)的朋友...嗯，配合一下，given your chinese reading ability already retrograded, i shall express my gratitude here in ANGMOH hahaha!!! =P i really appreciate having you as a friend who is kind and understanding (and also not forgetting to mention you are cute sometimes, when you show blur face haha) ^_^

NUSSO Annual UCC Concert: Reverence是一场算是蛮hardcore(对我而言)的演奏会吧？超高难度的曲目(Saint Saens Piano Concerto No.2除外，Smetana的Moldau的一些部分真的有点要逼疯人的感觉，Mendelssohn的Italian Symphony就还好)所要求的技巧和演绎，一开始的时候令我望而却步，甚至还萌生不join这场的念头。除此以外，因为这些曲目不为大众所熟悉，反应没有预期的那么热烈(还要碰上midterm时节)，售票的时候也遇到一些难题，幸亏到最后还算是雨过天晴啦。但经过这场concert，更令我了解我们乐团的人和事，也令我们V1更加团结了~

NUSSO Concert 2014: Reverence

NUSSO

过完concert和庆功宴，就进行新一届执委选举，一开始竞选副主席一职，结果因为太多强劲对手所以落榜，但还好最后能当上librarian，也还能在职位团里面出一份力。

嗯，说说上课的东西吧！小的在此感谢吴素仪celine ng两个sem以来的陪伴(还要说说sem1的时候当我的宿主时常让我在她的房间逗留休息)，除了陪伴之外最大的贡献就是当我的reminder哈哈哈！！！(因为我们拿的科目和几乎都一样，然后我是出了名的健忘，时常把重要事情忘掉) 除了素仪，就是我的一群life sciences buddies, 我的非比寻常的LSSG小组(好吧其实我们这组人也蛮多的)!!! 搞笑无厘头的ivan和vincent, 淡定的khalid, gabriel, weikeong和david, 和蔼可亲的salai, 很malaysian的yiheng, 还有不懂几时混进来的展维。

LSSG group photo(话说拍了这张照片后ivan才发觉整行人只有我一个女生@_@)

Public Speaking的草稿、cue cards、同班同学们的评语回条、还有导师Ms Loh满满爱心与细节的评语

感觉这学期我最喜欢的一科就是introduction to public speaking了！一开始选课的时候，看到这一门，觉得自己有舞台经验，中小学时期又有参加过不少演讲比赛，拿分应该不成问题。但是真正开始上tutorial和面对graded speech的时候，表现竟然不如自己所预期的，而且也看到不少会说的高手，另我重新定义public speaking这个东西。虽然已经有预感这科成绩不会很好，但是我没有后悔，因为真的学了不少东西，也交了一些新朋友。

Introduction to Psychology是一门蛮有趣的课，除了上课听讲之外，全部人必须去参与research program(既当实验参与者，戏称“白老鼠”哈哈！)。一开始的确有被reading的量吓到，但是假如照着课程进度每个星期都有读的话，其实也不多(只是你要把那些东西都记进脑袋就有些难度了)。Prof Annett和Ms Susheel都是很好的老师，听她们讲课的确有激发我要更深入地去学心理学。话说我已经在盘算着要minor in psychology了哈哈！也不忘谢谢一下热心的Ernest给了我midterm essay的概念，还帮我review，让我的作文顺利混了一个B+回来哈哈！

Chinese Grammar, 一个senior介绍、被我们视为pull CAP的一科(但是由于准备不足我考完出来觉得可能也pull不了多少)。其他人听到这门课的时候都笑翻了，都诧异的说“中文竟然还有grammar???!!!” 一开始我也如此认为，但是真正学了之后，还是发觉汉语的确还是有规律的，只是我们平时都不注意和注重它(其实grammar就是你是用语言的规律罢了没什么奇怪的)。

这学期的两个core modules还是落个凄凄惨惨的情景，且不说bioCHEMISTRY是我的弱点，有趣的genetics也在讲课风趣但出题刁难的prof chew把大家都搞得头昏脑胀(说起小考时光是写名字就有分数你就应该知道有多艰难了吧？)

一系列的活动都结束后，又到了准备考试的季节。由于基础不好，前几次的评测CA都考不好，所以就只能靠finals挽回局面了！这次，用了一个星期准备molecular genetics一科，但是考的时候还是被罢回一道了~这整个考试季节能够顺顺利利、开开心心地复习，还真是多亏了秉宏把我领到他们的秘密基地哦~哈哈，在这里就不愁找不到风水位、不受security guard干扰的度过了两个星期多的备考日子~

(上): 和好伙伴秉宏回国前2014年度最后一次selfie
(下): 我们复习的秘密基地“刷刷屋”

考完试，接下来就是放暑假啦!!! 这个假期一定要好好利用，赚外快、充电、安排下学期的计划！dear my beloved blogger, 我们后会有期(下次有东西写再login)哈哈哈...

ES1102--Essay Process Reflective Writing

According to the schedule in Week 6 for the module ES1102, The Essay Process, we wrote a problem-solution essay about a globalization issue. We were shown two TED Talk videos and an article, and were asked to refer to one of the problems including the collapse in biodiversity, climate change, the financial crisis and inequality as mentioned in Goldin’s speech. My essay was about 850 words, as a Life Sciences major student who intends to specialize in Environmental Biology, I wrote about the collapse in biodiversity, which is of interest to me. Initially I felt a little troubled because it had been a long time since I last wrote an essay of over 500 words, but I still managed to submit it before the due date. Although it was rather hard, I like the topic assigned as globalization is an issue that is relevant to everyone. As it is a very technical and academic topic, I refer to several credible websites such as the official websites of the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) and National Geographic as the sources of information to support my points. The guidelines given in the assignment document were particularly helpful in helping me organize my ideas for the essay. Throughout the essay writing process and research for supporting details, I found that my knowledge in this issue is still insufficient to write a good essay. Hence I am glad that the schedule assigned us this essay topic, giving us to have a chance to study this issue and enough time to finish the work. From the feedback of our tutor, my essay was found to have some grammatical errors throughout the whole essay, which were the usage of wrong prepositions and wrong word forms, which is a common phenomenon among Chinese speaking English learners. To improve this situation, I will read more academic articles to improve my grammar and vocabulary and ask for my peers' help to proofread my writings.

ES1102 Globalization Essay--The Collapsing Biodiversity(Corrected)

Globalization, which is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture (Al-Rodhan, 2006), has started ever since people in the past extended trade and the search for resources over their respective regions dating back to the 7th century. By that time, the technology in transportation started to allow people to explore further and to look for things they were in need, or wanted. Until today, globalization is a phenomenon that influences everyone, everyday. Globalization has brought people to a new level of civilization due to the exchange of technologies, culture and economy. Although we are seemingly enjoying the benefits, the crisis is lying under this candy-coat. One of the major problems that Goldin mentioned in his TED talk in 2006, is the collapse in biodiversity.

According to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre(WCMC), biodiversity is the degree of variations within the living world, which refers to genetic, species and ecosystem. Rapid environmental changes often cause extinctions. There were five major mass extinctions and some minor events in the past that led to large sudden loss in biodiversity. Currently, we are in the phase of the Holocene Extinction, sometimes called the Sixth Extinction, which is primarily due to human activities. Frequent, rapid and substantial migration, plus the exploitation of natural resources by mankind are two major factors that are related to the collapse of biodiversity.  In 2007, German Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel cited estimates that up to 30% of all species will be extinct by 2050. Besides, the world’s rain forests could vanish completely within 100 years at the current rate of deforestation (2014, National Geographic). Agricultural, industrial activities and urbanization that lead to pollution, climate change and introduction of invasive non-native species are the main threats of biodiversity (WCMC, 2014).

"The Living Planet Index measures trends in biodiversity and is a monitor of ecosystem health. This index has fallen by about 30 per cent since 1970, indicating that natural ecosystems are being degraded at a rate unprecedented in human history."

-WWF (2008)

In this substantial phenomenon that spans across the globe, governments play significant roles. Governments, being the enforcement unit and the guardian of their respective countries, have the responsibility to enact environment-related laws and supervise activities that potentially cause pollution in their countries, under which offenders should be punished accordingly. In addition, government agencies should by all means retain the natural environment in their region. For example, the Malaysia government has established National Parks and Wildlife Reserves as the rain forests are habitats to numerous species that contribute to the biodiversity, while Singapore government has focused intensively on the environment to ensure the small, packed city retains its green spaces.

However, just setting up the places are not enough while many protected areas are not well managed and many habitats are not well represented where only less than 1 per cent of marine areas are protected, for example (WWF, 2008). Besides, there is not always enough support from governments, development agencies, businesses and industries, and sometimes local communities to ensure the long-term success of protected areas (WWF, 2008). This is why non-governmental organizations (NGO) like World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) play significant supportive roles. As for WWF, it has a long history of being a non-profit environmental organization. WWF works with a large number of different groups to achieve its goals, including other NGOs, governments, businesses, investment banks, scientists, fishermen, farmers and local communities. It also undertakes public campaigns to influence decision makers, and seeks to educate people on how to live in a more environmentally friendly manner.Other than that, it also urges people to donate funds to protect the environment (Wikipedia, 2014)

In addition to efforts by governments and NGOs, we as residents on the Earth have the same responsible to save the collapsing biodiversity. Being aware of and understanding environmental issues is the most important step. As per suggested by WWF, we can lessen the impact to environment and biodiversity by changing our daily habits and consumption preferences to more eco-friendly. For instance, buying wood products certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which are from sustainable forest resources. Efforts of reducing carbon footprint have to be practiced extensively such as using energy-saving electrical equipments, carpooling, consume less unnecessary industrial products to lessen the impact of global warming. Keeping the environment clean is also essential as many organisms are very susceptible to pollution. For example, throwing rubbish such as plastics and chemicals into water bodies will cause suffocation or poisoning in aquatic animals.

In conclusion, the critical situation of biodiversity on Earth is an important issue that everyone should concern about and take actions against it. Although collapse is happening at an alarming speed, we can still make it a halt via many ways. Governments and NGOs should work together in combating this crisis while people should give the organizations full support and do their own parts as a resident on Earth.

“We have only this generation to get sustainability and the environment right. We all need to work together as never before to get there.” 

-James P. Leape 

Director General, WWF International

REFERENCES

Al-Rodhan, R.F. Nayef and Gérard Stoudmann. (2006). Definitions of Globalization: A Comprehensive Overview and a 
          Proposed Definition. URL: http://www.sustainablehistory.com/articles/definitions-of-globalization.pdf

Goldin, Ian. (2009). Navigating Our Global Future. TED Talks. 
          URL: http://www.ted.com/talks/ian_goldin_navigating_our_global_future?language=en

World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC). (Retrieved 8 Mar 2014). What is Biodiversiy?
          URL: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/what-is-biodiversity_50.html

Gabriel, Sigmar. (2007). 30% of all species lost by 2050. BBC News. 
          URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6432217.stm

National Geographic. (Retrieved 8 Mar, 2014). Deforestation. 
          URL: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-
                  overview/

World Conservation Monitoring Centre. (Retrieved 8 Mar 2014). Threats to Biodiversity.
          URL: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/threats-to-biodiversity_52.html

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). (2008). A Roadmap for a Living Planet.
          URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/roadmap_sign_off_fin.pdf

Wikipedia. (Retrieved 8 March 2014). World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
          URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Fund_for_Nature

ES1102 Reader Respond--Malaysia Drops English Language Teaching(Final Draft)

The article Malaysia drops English language teaching (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jul/10/malaysia-tefl?INTCMP=SRCH) by Max de Lotbinière, is a comprehensive analytical review of education in Malaysia. It pinpoints the issue of the language used  in teaching maths and science, which is a very important factor in conveying information and  promoting students’ understanding.

From the article, it is clear that the writer has a good knowledge of the education system in Malaysia. He briefly and clearly narrates the history background of the system, the explanation given by the education minister, followed the response by the people after the government announced the abandon of PPSMI.

It was quite surprising to know from the news that some of those in favor of using mother tongue as the teaching medium even protest against PPSMI when it was first introduced, and the police had to disperse them using teargas. After some years of running this policy, a decline in overall academic performance in the country caused the government to drop this "experimental" education policy, and it again caused some parties' dismay.

There are always two sides in an issue, the pros and the cons. Overall, PPSMI benefits students by increasing the time they use English in learning and more exposure to scientific terms in English. As we all know, English is the international academic and business language, starting the usage of this language in an early age is good for students in some ways. However, in Malaysia, where English is not the first language of many people, conducting subjects in this language may be an obstacle for students whose command of English is not sufficiently operational. Performance gap will occur also occur between students at urban and suburban areas. Besides, as stated by government officials, the lack of qualified teachers able to deliver classes in English is also a major problem.

Although teaching maths and science using mother tongue suits the situation in Malaysia, the decision is made too hastily, same as before when PPSMI was practiced. Hence, the government should still put up a poll to survey peoples' opinion before implying such changes. On top of this, more time should be given to observe the results rather than just concluding it within a few years, as transformation and outcomes in education methods often take a certain period and a few cohorts of students to be proven. It is not good for people to adopt changes in such short time, which will cause confusion.

As a supporter of mother tongue education, I believe that students can comprehend better when content in class is explained in their first language. Although it seems troublesome for students to learn scientific and technical terms in English later, these can be translated easily; it is the grammar and vocabulary that indicate one’s command of the language. Besides, the Minister has already announced the plan to increase English language teaching time by up to 30% upon the revoke of PPSMI.

In conclusion, the changing policy of teaching language is a major education issue that everyone in the country should be concerned of. The government should be more open minded to take in people's opinions and further research the issue whereas people should be clear of the pros and cons of the policy, express their thoughts clearly to the government.

ES1102 Reflective Essay--My English Language Learning Journey

Since young, I have been learning English as a second language. My parents always take my education matters seriously and they had taught me English before I enrolled in preschool. They used flashcards, told me stories and encouraged me to watch television programs in English. Their efforts turned out to be effective as my usage of the language is better than other students on average.

However, at some time during my secondary school years, my command of English didn't improve as much as I was in primary school due to lack of reading and practice. I've realized this problem and started to work on it. I started to read novels and magazines in English to improve my vocabulary usage. Besides, I stop relying on subtitles and listen carefully while watching English movies. I also speak English with people whenever I have got the chance.

Now, I'm in a university where English is used as its official and teaching language. My previous efforts seemed to work a little but I think it is still insufficient. Hence, I will continue to work harder to improve my English language skills in order to make myself more capable in communicating using this language.